Update: Excel Group Issues Right of Reply
14:30 – Following publication, Excel Group issued a formal right of reply, rejecting the allegations made by Arnold Cassola and Momentum.
In a statement, the company “categorically denies the false, malicious and libellous claims” that demolition works continued after 7th May adjacent to the collapsed Tania Flats. Excel maintains that all such work had ceased by that date.
“The fact is that since 7th May no works were carried out adjacent to the building which collapsed,” the company said, adding that this can be verified through CCTV footage, which police are expected to have collected.
Excel also stated that its architect played a critical role in preventing further tragedy. “Rather than cause this collapse, the architect of Excel Group acted swiftly to save 32 lives when he fortunately noticed shifts to the nearby building, reported them and insisted on an evacuation.”
At the time of writing, no official investigation findings have been released. The Maltese Herald will continue monitoring developments as authorities review evidence, including CCTV and eyewitness footage.
Portelli’s firm denies responsibility for Paceville collapse, but videos tell a different story
Following the collapse of a building in Paceville on Wednesday evening, Excel Trading, owned by developer Joseph Portelli, has denied any involvement, insisting that demolition works near the affected Tania Flats were completed weeks earlier, on 7th May.
However, video evidence and eyewitness accounts appear to contradict the company’s claims.
Momentum Chairperson Arnold Cassola responded sharply to Portelli’s statement, accusing the company of “lying through its teeth.” Cassola pointed to two separate videos – one filmed on 27th May and another on 2nd June – clearly showing ongoing demolition activity next to Tania Flats well after the date claimed by Excel Trading.
“In the 27th May video, the balcony wall is still there. In the 2nd June video, work is clearly continuing,” Cassola said. “That balcony is gone now.”
The footage, shared publicly on Facebook, appears to show active demolition just days before the collapse, raising serious questions about site safety, oversight, and accountability.
Cassola called for urgent reform, declaring that “zero tolerance” is needed. “Developers who play about with people’s lives and lie to cover up must be banned. Politicians in the pockets of these unscrupulous developers should be kicked out.”
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